Excerpt: “strong evidence for the innovation still thriving in the genre, stated with real focus and conviction… Monocle do well to set themselves aside from any serious sound-alikes, calling upon the cool melodies of jazz, enforcing a danceable tempo and pouring it all into the classic verse-chorus structure. The end result is fantastic – managing to showcase excellent musicianship, whilst still displaying potential to catalyze the dance floor… As the album progresses into the second half, the sound takes a turn towards the more daring and different… The band manage to slot their sound into these changes perfectly, without forcing an “experimental” feel or disrupting the start-to-finish flow… Overall, Outer Sunset really is a solid record; one that displays much accomplished, with a lot to potentially achieve in future efforts.”

Sonic Frontiers 

Excerpt: “For dreamy, slightly psychedelic, shoegazing indie pop, look no further. Monocle, a five-piece outfit from Brooklyn, has weaved together a pensive, stunning new album for Hidden Shoal Recordings. It plays like a soundtrack to a really good movie… Outer Sunset has a subtle energy that flows almost tangibly throughout each track, and this understated approach does not lessen the impact, but rather renders it unmistakable. Multi-layered and involving, Outer Sunset manages to be avant-garde and accessible simultaneously, which is no small feat… Monocle has made a dazzling album. This is an ethereal, complex and simply excellent new release for HSR, and Monocle is a band to look out for in the future.”

Delusions of Adequacy

Excerpt – “Monocle’s lounge act EP will appeal to fans of Stereolab a great deal. Lucy’s sweet vocals give the four tracks contained within a delightful arty affair. ‘Secret Handshake’ is a gentle rumble of drums, some floaty keyboards and the sound of rippling water and then the title track gets even more atmospheric and dreamy. It’s twinkly French pop of the highest order. ‘Car Ride’ is all summery and surf bound and ‘Hawaii’ is a minimal instrumental with lovely twanging guitars and gentle keyboard sounds. Monocle have made an EP that’s continental, airy and delightful.”

Russ’s Reviews

Excerpt – ” it’s a happy occasion when someone tips you the wink about a new band that bring together some of your favourite elements from interesting bands down the years – and this EP is one of those occasions… Imagine, if you will, the somnambulant bliss of Broadcast mixed up with that distinctive Slint-style bass, the playful Bossa of a throwaway Stereolab B-Side and, perhaps most strikingly – a great big nod towards the glamorous-yet-underachieving shoegazers Lush… If you have an affinity for good, old fashioned indie pop with an educated twist and an understated edge, then go seek this one out if you possibly can.”
Vinyl Vulture